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Friday, June 8, 2012

Warm summer evenings and juicy grilled burgers are a hard to beat combo, don't you think?

While
a classic burger with lettuce, onion, tomato and cheese will always be a
favorite, I'm sure you have noticed a few trends with grilled burgers
over the past few years. Stuffed, "inside out" or "jucy lucy" [sic]
burgers are all the rage. Layers of big bold flavors are also hot.

I
tried to do a bit of both in this burger. Crispy onion rings layer on
top of the onion burger seasoning and the beefy mayo enhances the great
taste of the burger. The blue cheese tucked in the middle just makes
sure the taste party keeps on going.

Thoroughly mix together the mayo, 5 Pepper seasoning, and beef
base. It is best if you have an hour or two to let it chill in the
fridge.

Preheat your grill to medium-high (450f). Make sure your grill
grates are clean and lightly coated with oil. At the same time, preheat
your oven and cook the onion rings according to package instructions.

Mix together the beef and burger seasoning, being careful to evenly
distribute the seasoning but don't overwork the beef. Divide into 8
equal portions (3 oz each) and form into thin 4" patties.

On four of the patties, place 1 Tbsp of blue cheese on the center of
each. Top with the remaining 4 patties. Seal the edges of each burger
by kneading them together and smoothing them over. (See alternate
instructions in Notes)

Toast your buns on the grill (about 13-20 seconds).

Grill the burgers until they reach an internal temperature of 160f, about 4-6 minutes per side.

Serve the burgers topped with a pair of onion rings and the buns slathered with the steakhouse mayo.

Notes

Alternate burger method - If you don't feel like bothering with the
stuffed burger, make four 6-oz patties instead. Then when you flip the
patties on the grill, top with the crumbled blue cheese.

They seem thin here, but the second patty on top makes it a big burger.

Speaking of "layers of flavor".....

Burger done using the alternate "non-stuffed-in-the-middle" method.

The other three have the cheese hiding inside.

These were probably the best burgers we've done this year. Trevor told me three times how great they were.

The Grillerhood

Who
is in your Grillerhood? You know....your neighbors, family and friends
who share your passion for pryo and fanaticism for flame.

This
is my third year working with the Grill Mates line of seasonings and I
always expect exciting and innovative flavors from them. But this year they
have added something new - The Grillerhood. It's a place to get tips, rewards, grilling recipes, exclusive contests, and other info. In the Grillerhood you can interact online and real time with other grillers, sharing new and bold techniques.

Shortly,
I'll be running a contest to get you to help contribute to the "True
Rules" of the Grillerhood and the prize will be this "loaded bbq
apron". I'd say the only thing it does NOT include is a fire
extinguisher but I just got mine tonight and haven't finished checking
out all of the pockets.....there might be one in there ;)

Stay tuned for details!

[Standard Disclaimer] I have a business arrangement with McCormick to promote their Grill Mates line of grilling and BBQ seasonings and marinades.

I adore blue cheese on my burger! Along with some bacon and a side of onion rings makes me a happy guy. I saw a burger press at Williams Sonoma which is great for the stuffed burger. Gimmick or need it??

I love stuffed burgers, it's been a while since I've had one. At one time I was looking at those burger presses but decided to pass. It is easy to just do it by hand, especially once you get the hang of it.

Chris- I just ordered some Grill Grates for our grill! Brad asked me where I heard about them and I told him your wonderful blog! I'm giving them to my husband for Father's Day. I'm sure he will love them!